Twelve police officers attacked a man accused of domestic violence as they arrested him

TWELVE police officers were attacked while arresting a man accused of domestic violence.

Officers responded to a call for help following reports of a domestic violence attack at a property in Lurgan. Co Armagh in the early hours of May 11th.

When they arrived and attempted to arrest the man on suspicion of assault, he struck the officers.

The man kicked, spat and punched officers, the PSNI confirmed.

He also tried to headbutt them.

“This behavior continued for some time, with attacks on the custody sergeant and civilian detention officers occurring upon arrival at the Banbridge Custody Suite,” the PSNI said in a statement.

The violence brought the total number of police and staff injured at work in Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon ​​over the weekend to 18.

These attacks occurred during three separate arrests of three men.

PSNI chief inspector Brendan Green this week condemned any attack, calling it “shameful and unacceptable”.

“What other job would this happen at?” he asked.

“Our officers and staff work hard to keep their communities safe and do not deserve this treatment.

“Even though we come to work knowing we may face difficult and dangerous situations, it is completely unacceptable that our officers are being attacked and verbally abused in the most shocking way for simply doing their job,” said he.

“Our officers have been receiving welfare support and fortunately their injuries were not more serious and they were feeling well enough to remain on duty,” Chf Insp Green added.

“But it reinforces our message that all attacks on emergency services workers – be they a nurse, doctor, paramedic or police officer – are serious crimes and have serious consequences.”

Two of the men who attacked police officers were brought to justice, while the third was released on police bail to allow further investigations.

“Attacks on our officers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Chf Insp Green added.